London (AFP)

Liverpool players will be equipped from the 2020-21 season by the American giant Nike, the English club, winner of the last Champions League, announced on Tuesday.

The amount of the contract signed by Liverpool and Nike has not been specified, but according to the British press, the Reds hope to pocket up to 70 million pounds per season (82.2 million euros) with this contract which covers five years, until 2025, and includes a particularly high variable portion.

The iconic "Reds" jersey has been supplied since 2015 by another American equipment supplier, New Balance.

"Our iconic jersey is an important part of our history and identity," said Billy Hogan, director of business operations for Liverpool.

"We welcome Nike to the Liverpool FC family as our official supplier and expect them to be an incredible partner to our club, in our domestic and international market as our fan base continues to grow ", he added.

Unlike its previous contract with New Balance and most of those concluded in the elite of European football, the agreement includes relatively low fixed incomes but a much higher variable part.

In addition to a minimum of 30 million pounds (EUR 35 million) per season, the Reds will pocket 20% on net sales of derivative products (including jerseys) and various bonuses in the event of a final victory in the Champions League or crowned in the Premier League, according to the British press.

- Judgment won against New Balance -

"The difference is that clubs normally receive 7.5% commission on each sale of jersey and other goods," football economist Kieran Maguire told Sky Sports.

"With the Nike agreement, Liverpool will get 20%, he said. Liverpool has sifted the numbers and estimates that it will get more with Nike (than with New Balance, editor's note)."

Figures which remain far from the 150 M EUR garnered each season by FC Barcelona as part of its contract with the comma mark or 120 M EUR from Real Madrid with Adidas.

To end his contract with New Balance and join the multinational born in Eugene (Oregon), the club trained by the iconic Jürgen Klopp, had to go to court.

Its previous equipment manufacturer had put forward a clause allowing it to extend its contract by five years if its offer equaled the competition. But a British court ruled in October in favor of the Mersey club, recognizing that New Balance did not have the same global distribution and marketing network as the "swoosh" brand.

The "Reds", who have not won the title of champion since 1990, dominate the championship of England by having thirteen points ahead of their first pursuer, Leicester, with a further late game to play.

© 2020 AFP